QLD GPS Rugby 2012

[light]

I totally agree that they could quite easily finish 4th or 5th, they have the potential to finish probably 3rd if results go their way. I just don't see it happening that way, BGS has too many 'bogey' teams and although they will more than likely beat IGS I don't think they will finish ahead of them on the ladder.

 

[Swarley]

I totally agree that they could quite easily finish 4th or 5th, they have the potential to finish probably 3rd if results go their way. I just don't see it happening that way, BGS has too many 'bogey' teams and although they will more than likely beat IGS I don't think they will finish ahead of them on the ladder.

Do you know much about other schools recruiting/key players for next season Light? What do you consider the 'key positions'? #2, #3, #4, #7, #9, #10, #14 and #15?

 

[light]

Eh. I wouldn't regard the 7 jersey a key position, yes it is vital to have a strong openside but I think all schools are now at the point where the 7's are virtually equal. Look across the board and you have QLD representative players throughout. Even this year with the likes of Mitchell (ACGS), Satui (NC), Tasi (IGS), Browning/Swann (BSHS), Vassiliades (TSS), Cail (BGS), Brigan (GT). All are standouts, many are captains, having a good 7 doesn't make the forward pack tick. (i.e GT). It is essential to have quality 7, but I don't think it's a key position in this competition.

I'd say #8 is more important at this level, a big tackle breaking 8 has more impact than a consistent 7. Case in example are the top 3 this year, NC-McMahon, ACGS-Oppenheimer,BSHS-Maile. It's what IGS, TGS and TSS have lacked this year and I think it's becoming crucial now to have a 8 who can not only carry the ball, but pressure the opposition 9/10 combination.

NC - #2 Postal, #3 Anae, #14 Shipperley, #15 Stewart
ACGS - #7 Gunn/Georgiou, #8 Oppenheimer, #9 Eason, #10 Watson, #14 West, #15 Van Heteran/Halligan
BSHS - #15 Tibbetts

My previous post on the contenders outlined who I thought were the 'key players' in each team, did abit of reading for that post and anything else now would be speculation. Maybe refer to that post, I think most teams are far from certain.

 

[sdg]

. Wouldn't it be best to keep Cornelson at lock and have Lakehm Aiono play 8?

I'd agree with that, Lakehm would provide more impact from the back of the scrum, although any of us would love the sight of him and Birch in the centres

Dugie Hill could then fill in the vacant inside centre spot (or swap with hugo at fullback), he's played some good games at 10 and 15 in the 2nds this year
Has great hands and a solid kicking game (can kick decently off his non-favoured boot which could easily improve).

The 10 position looks the most shaky at the moment, but I'd trust the coaching staff to either train up a player or bring one in

Looks a strong team that can compete, though once again depth could be an issue

Just glad to see a reversal of fortunes in Grammar rugby and its culture at the school

 

[Theoretical]

Fill-ins.

Lakehm Aiono has been at BGS since Grade 8, as have 1st XV players Lewis Radford (14), Hugo Starr-Thomas (12), Michael Gilbert (6) and Nick Anderson (1). The same goes for Andrew Saunders (Utility backrow), who has played a few games for the 1st XV this year with Levi Aumua out. New Hooker Cody Blackhurst was not imported by the school, he moved to BGS for game time after TSS No.2 Campbell Wakely decided to repeat. As for Josh Birch and Jack Cornelson though, I'm not too sure on the details. Grammar are certainly looking strong for 2012 though:

1. Cody Blackhurst- Current 1st XV hooker
2. Alistair Harper- 1st XV bench
3. Nick Anderson- Current 1st XV
4. -
5. Jack Cornelson- Current 1st XV
6. Michael Gilbert- Current 1st XV
7. Andrew Saunders- 1st XV vs. Churchie and BBC
8. Lakehm Aiono- Injured 2011
9. -
10. -
11. -
12. Hugo-Starr Thomas- Current 1st XV
13. Josh Birch- Injured 2011
14. -
15. Lewis Radford- Current 1st XV winger

With respect to Swarley from his picking of the BGS team next year, the unfilled spots are expected to look something like this:

1. Cody Blackhurst- Current 1st XV hooker
2. Alistair Harper- 1st XV bench
3. Nick Anderson- Current 1st XV
4. Ben Muller-(16A- Substantially improved form from previous years, playing well with some height an strength to his advantage)
5. Jack Cornelson- Current 1st XV
6. Michael Gilbert- Current 1st XV
7. Andrew Saunders- 1st XV vs. Churchie and BBC
8. Lakehm Aiono- Injured 2011
9. Samuel Burke (16A- Currently out with a broken arm but expected to be back to full form next year)
10. -
11. McKay Wight- (Has been out for years with osgoodscolitis in both knees, but is expected to make his debut next year with some respective size and speed.)
12. Hugo-Starr Thomas- Current 1st XV
13. Josh Birch- Injured 2011
14. Jordan Innes (Some real tallent here, Serious speed and skill, if he continues to play next year he is essentially a shoe-in for the 1st XV)
15. Lewis Radford- Current 1st XV winger

The 10 Jersey is the only spot that is essentially 'Up for grabs', the way i see it, but from what I have heard BGS may have a few 'new boys' for the team next year.

 

[fourgreatkids]

also heard rumors the Andrew "Lbro" hall could be repeating, possibility for prop

 

[light]

Yawn.

 

[philhood]

Light previously mentioned that in 2013 anti scholarship rules come into play. What are these rules & are they enforceable?

 

[light]

Philhood, I'm not sure of the exact details but many of the schools have been stocking up for next year, wether this is due to it being the final year of scholarships or not remains to be seen. From a vast range of sources it appears some type of agreement has been reached between the schools, I imagine this is more ethical than anything else.

This is not a scholarship thread so there is no point going into great detail about how it will be enforced but I do believe the school's will have to prove their players aren't getting any form of financial assistance and will come under review in the pre-season. It is fair to say that 2012 should be the last year of scholarships however I doubt it will be the end to the debate as no matter who wins, eyebrows will still be raised.

In the end, there is very little the GPS schools can do to stop importing as there will always be potential loopholes. If a school is willing to risk it's reputation and perhaps it's place in the GPS than there is very little anyone can do to stop them.. I for one would like to see any potential rule governed with an iron fist and any school deemed to have 'cheated', 'imported' or to have used un-sportsman like methods to win premierships immediately reviewed and any achievements revoked.

 

[fourgreatkids]

Yawn.

so whats your great team then genius?

 

[RugbyInterest]

Churchie have a rightful claim next year with 6 to 7 1st XV players back from a team that ran second and an undefeated season in 16As -looks damn good pedigree to me for next year

 

[GPSrugby]

wikman you are an absolute mutt

 

[Set piece magic]

Well my prediction is for a tight year next year again, haven't seen too much in the way of standouts, however I wasn't the most avid watcher this year so If someone thinks there is a big favourite do tell.

Underestimate the underdogs at your peril, I know for a fact having played alongside Dalgleish and Given at Taylor Bridge they are both quality players, the amount of times I see James at Graceville Memorial Park practising is ridiculous, he's nearly as good as me at drop goaling (since finding out I am too small to play any sort of rugby competitively, I now spend all of my playing day's kicking penalties and drop goals.)

Also and you can call this bias, but I don't think anyone should underate BBC either, the team was well positioned this year and came close to churchie's 16A's. We have a very strong forward pack with Taur, Stewart and Lawless all playing next year (Rob Lawless Is a freak both academically and in sport, expect to see him the captain of rugby - high quality leadership skills.) Plus a backrow feat. David Hood turnover specialist who in game one against state high disrupted a lot of ball to have the score at 29 - 28 with ten minutes to go. When he went off BSHS piled on 20 points in 10 minutes.

Backline looks average though

 

[RugbyInterest]

Spikhaza - I admire your optimism regarding BBC 16As but the score in the Churchie game was 29-10 - not as close as you have portrayed and with more guns already in the Churchie 1sts already, they have a far better base to start with. Still, footy games are won on the field not in these forums.

 

[gtjack]

isaac french's return for the terrace firsts will be of great benefit. gone is the lankiness and returning is the feistiness and will to compete. expect to see him in australian schoolboys

 

[light]

Well my prediction is for a tight year next year again, haven't seen too much in the way of standouts, however I wasn't the most avid watcher this year so If someone thinks there is a big favourite do tell.

Underestimate the underdogs at your peril, I know for a fact having played alongside Dalgleish and Given at Taylor Bridge they are both quality players, the amount of times I see James at Graceville Memorial Park practising is ridiculous, he's nearly as good as me at drop goaling (since finding out I am too small to play any sort of rugby competitively, I now spend all of my playing day's kicking penalties and drop goals.)

Also and you can call this bias, but I don't think anyone should underate BBC either, the team was well positioned this year and came close to churchie's 16A's. We have a very strong forward pack with Taur, Stewart and Lawless all playing next year (Rob Lawless Is a freak both academically and in sport, expect to see him the captain of rugby - high quality leadership skills.) Plus a backrow feat. David Hood turnover specialist who in game one against state high disrupted a lot of ball to have the score at 29 - 28 with ten minutes to go. When he went off BSHS piled on 20 points in 10 minutes.

Backline looks average though

Agreed Spikhaza, BBC look to have a stronger squad for 2012 than they did for 2011 but I still doubt that they will make the top half of the table. You have identified a significant weakness in the backline, and for what it's worth, I agree that this will again by their downfall. In terms of retaining players, I believe Churchie, Grammar and State High will probably contain the most returning players from 2011, I say this not knowing the exact numbers. All three of these would have to be considered contenders purely based on this and I doubt that many other school's can claim to have backline's with as much spark as these three. I'm not saying that any of these school's will win it, more so that they are in better positions in the pre-season with first choice teams already chosen.

Nudgee will no doubt have a strong case for the title in 2012, and on 16A and 1st XV table's (also could include their undefeated 15A age group in 2010, suggests that these players may be in first regime's in 2011 and not playing 16A)it would be safe to assume that they will be amongst the top 4. Play clinical rugby year in, year out and always have a solid player base. Don't have as many players returning to the 1st XV as their 2011 senior group was stacked full of talent and I think this could be their downfall in 2012.

Similarly Churchie has had success in the 16A and 1st XV age group although lack spark in the 15A, nonetheless, I would expect them to be top 4 based on the tremendous depth and experience many of their current year 11's have. They are well-drilled and do the basics very well, the coaching methods from the 14A's upwards are all similar and so they have similar game plans throughout the age groups (i.e workhorse forwards who provide quick ball to small backs, possess alot of speed on the wings and thus are clinical finishers.). There seems to be belief in the blue and grey now that hasn't been seen since the years of Pocock and Cooper and I would expect that there will be a few fireworks for their centenary year.

For me, TSS are the darkhorse and I say this because of their strong finish in 2011 after a tough run at the start in which they faced BSHS, NC and ACGS. After these three early rounds they were essentially written off (and even if they had won, I doubt they would have been able to maintain a squad to beat the remaining teams). They seemed to bounce back well and took out a few stronger teams along the way, evidence suggests that they blooded alot of 16A's as their Open group in 2011 was weaker than previous years. In 2011 they essentially suffered due to the success of the previous year and I am expecting a rebound in 2012 from a prestigious rugby school.

On the other end of the scale, Ipswich impressed many in 2011 and I would judge them to be the team with the most spark and ability to pull off big upsets (i.e Denying Churchie the premiership). They have mobile forwards (2011- Nguaumo, Tasi) who work together well and a backline full of flair mainly orchestrated by fullback Bowen. They will lose some attacking flair in 2012, but due to geographical location (Ipswich seems to produce alot of Leaguies) I imagine they will have someone else to fill his shoes. Although not successful in the 16A's I think most of this can be contributed to grade 11's playing 1st XV. For me, I consider them a bogey team. that if hot, you would not want to run into, they possess heavy weapons that can derail any premiership campaign, although I don't see them as contenders just yet.


Will call the rest as I see them when I have time, for now I need to get back to work.

 

[Knockers]

Is Ulapano Seuteni of TSS in Year 12 next year? From what i have heard he is a great talent.

 

[Prop]

Knockers- uj is in year 12 this year, he has the best talent going around even though he has got his injury I am sure he will make it somewhere in rugby,he made the aus 7s this year even with his injury.

 

[Ignoto]

Also and you can call this bias, but I don't think anyone should underate BBC either, the team was well positioned this year and came close to churchie's 16A's.

I'm sorry but there are a lot of problems wrong with the way BBC is set up sporting wise for progress to happen.

The First XV squad trained I would dare say for 10/11 months this season (September last year to August this year) and I would dare say there was no improvements made from this.

More importantly, there was a HUGE push by rugby to whisper in Kids ears that if they wanted to play in the XV that they had to train during the off season instead of partaking in other sports.

I personally believe there is a correlation between being successful in schools who are successful at Rowing will be rewarded at Rugby. Churchie and TSS have been great examples of this and in recent years so has Nudgee.

I also was able to watch the BBC Rugby squad train in the gym this year and there was a big emphasis on size instead of strength. What their program has failed to realise is that BBC will not produce big monster kids, which is fine, but they can easily work on ensuring that their athletes have strength rather than size.

 

[gtjack]

I'm sorry but there are a lot of problems wrong with the way BBC is set up sporting wise for progress to happen.

The First XV squad trained I would dare say for 10/11 months this season (September last year to August this year) and I would dare say there was no improvements made from this.

More importantly, there was a HUGE push by rugby to whisper in Kids ears that if they wanted to play in the XV that they had to train during the off season instead of partaking in other sports.

I personally believe there is a correlation between being successful in schools who are successful at Rowing will be rewarded at Rugby. Churchie and TSS have been great examples of this and in recent years so has Nudgee.

I also was able to watch the BBC Rugby squad train in the gym this year and there was a big emphasis on size instead of strength. What their program has failed to realise is that BBC will not produce big monster kids, which is fine, but they can easily work on ensuring that their athletes have strength rather than size.

Excellent point about rowing, however it could be noted that Terrace dominated rowing from 07 - 09, winning the Old Boys' Cup both years (and was on track to win '10 before HOR was cancelled) and the results didn't really seem to show on the rugby field. Apart from winning the First VIII, Nudgee haven't been overly succesful in rowing, similarly with churchie.